In addition to starting new campuses, Mars Hill Church is busy starting new churches through the work of the Acts 29 Network.

The Acts 29 Network is a ministry supported by Mars Hill Church that helps start churches around the world by providing theological, relational, missional, and pastoral support. For many church planters, Acts 29 provides crucial fellowship with like-minded brothers and encouragement in what may be the loneliest and hardest calling for a man and his family. Pastor Mark Driscoll serves as the president of Acts 29 and I serve as the secretary, treasurer, and chairman of the board.

During the last twelve months, Mars Hill Church gave over a million dollars to Jesus’ work across the nation and around world. Here’s a glimpse at how we’re working together to spread the gospel.

• Over the last year, 39 new churches were started through Acts 29.
• Acts 29 has over 138 member churches in 32 states from various traditions, including Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, EFCA, and nondenominational—all united by Jesus.
• Currently, 56 more church plants have been approved and are completing the membership requirements. An additional 211 applicants are in the pipeline.
• In all, over 35,000 people are worshipping at Acts 29 Network churches across the United States every Sunday.
• Mars Hill Church helps fund Acts 29 churches in strategic locations where cash flow is a perennial obstacle despite faithful and generous members.

As one example of the relational and pastoral benefits of Acts 29, a few months ago Mars Hill Church hosted one hundred eighty people in Vail, CO, at an annual retreat where lead planter couples could relax, be encouraged, and be strengthened by each other for the upcoming year.

In the past year, we provided church planter coaching to new Acts 29 pastors. We have trained forty-six pastors as certified church-planter coaches. This coaching increases the effectiveness of the church plant and encourages the church planter by providing wisdom to make proper decisions.

We hosted five Acts 29 “Boot Camps” in the past year:

• Raleigh, NC (September 2007): Sold-out attendance of over 350
• Chicago, IL (January 2008): Sold-out attendance of 240
• Seattle, WA (February 2008): Sold-out attendance of over 1,100 (in conjunction with Text & Context)
• New York, NY (April 2008): Dwell NYC. Attendance of 470
• London, UK (July 2008): Attendance of 200 with representatives from 12 different nations

Acts 29 Boot Camps focus on 1) The Man (his character, calling, competency, and courage); 2) The Message (of Jesus and reformed theology); and 3) The Mission (to plant reproducing, gospel-centered churches). Most Boot Camp content is available for free on the Acts 29 website.

Thank you for your care and support, Mars Hill Church. With your faithful stewardship and devotion to the mission of our local church, you’re helping thousands of people around the country and around the world to know and love Jesus.

Visit acts29network.org for more about church planting and Acts 29. Read this article in the 2007-2008 MHC annual report.